Baseball Training Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A training device for illustrating a strike zone for a pitcher. The training device is a baseball training device comprising a base support member and a strike zone structure. The strike zone structure is adjustably attachable to the base support member with an adjustable support member. The strike zone structure comprises a plurality of stackable block members. Each of the block members is dimensioned as a representation of a Major League Baseball strike zone. The baseball training device is configured to both sense a pitch and provide a reaction to a pitcher indicating if a pitch thrown at the device is a strike.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/783,583 filed on Dec. 21, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to a new and improved training device for throwing or pitching a ball, such as a baseball or softball. More specifically, the invention relates to a fixed or portable, and adjustable training apparatus that is designed to improve the pitching accuracy of a baseball player. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

Baseball is a bat-and-ball game popular worldwide for participants and fans of all ages. Generally stated, a pitcher throws a ball from the pitcher's mound to a catcher at home plate. The batter attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball, or to try to draw a walk, and the pitcher attempts to strike-out the batter. A successful pitch, or “strike,” is a thrown ball which either passes through or touches the strike zone or is delivered in such a way that the batter swings the bat at the ball missing it or hits the ball poorly out of the field of play. If an individual pitch misses the strike zone without the batter swinging the bat, the pitch is deemed a “ball.”

The “strike zone” is a volume of space through which a pitch must pass in order to be called a strike. The strike zone is generally defined as the volume of space above home plate and between the batter's knees and the midpoint of the batter's torso when the batter is in his or her batting stance at the plate. Whether a pitch passes through the strike zone is decided by an umpire, who is generally positioned behind the catcher.

Successful pitchers train for years to be able to master their craft. There are many devices or targets that have been developed over the years to aid in this training. One problem with these devices is the fact that a strike zone varies depending on various factors, such as a batter's height. Other training devices only employ a two dimensional representation of the strike zone, thereby leaving the pitcher to guess at the top and bottom of the strike zone. Additionally, umpires in training are often subjective in their adjudication of balls and strikes, which can also be frustrating for a pitcher.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved baseball training device for developing pitchers. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved baseball training device that is both portable and adjustable, and that provided instantaneous feedback to the user. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved baseball training device that is both relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and easy and safe to use. More specifically, the present invention discloses a three dimensional, portable and adjustable training aid that can be used by pitchers, batters, coaches, and umpires alike.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an improved baseball training apparatus. The baseball training apparatus preferably comprises a base support member and a strike zone structure. The baseball training apparatus further comprises an adjustable support member connecting the base support member and the strike zone structure with a retaining element. The height of both the strike zone structure and the baseball training apparatus are easily adjustable by the user, so that the device can be used in a manner that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

The strike zone structure preferably comprises a plurality of block members. Each of the block members are substantially formed with the dimensions of a home plate as, defined by Major League Baseball (MLB), but may vary in height. Each of the block members further comprise a plurality of block member connection components for connecting the plurality of block members to each other. Additionally, each of the block members may be either substantially solid or hollow in their construction.

The baseball training apparatus further comprises a feedback component. The feedback component is attachable to the strike zone structure, and may comprise an impact or other sensor, a response element, or both. More specifically, the impact sensor is sensitive to an impact from a pitched ball hitting the strike zone component at any point, though it is contemplated that other types of sensors can be included as well. Additionally, the response element may comprise an audible indicator, a visual indicator, or both, that is configured to inform the pitcher of the impact sensor being triggered, thereby indicating whether or not the pitched ball was within the strike zone.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a strike zone for a baseball training device of the present invention and in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the baseball training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the baseball training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one of a plurality of block members of a strike zone structure of the baseball training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another one of the plurality of block members of the strike zone structure of the baseball training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one of the plurality of block members attached to an adjustable support member of the baseball training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of one of the plurality of block members attached to an adjustable support member of the baseball training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one of the plurality of block members comprising a plurality of structural ribs of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another one of the plurality of block members comprising a plurality of structural ribs of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of one of the plurality of block members of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view of one of the plurality of block members of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 11 illustrates a plan view of one of the plurality of block members of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a feedback component of the baseball training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

As noted above, there exists in the art a long felt need for a baseball training aid to help pitchers (as well as batters and umpires) learn the metes and bounds of a baseball strike zone. The present invention is a device designed to help baseball and softball players of all ages improve the accuracy of their throwing with a pitching, throwing, and visualization aid. More specifically, the invention is an adjustable three-dimensional representation of a baseball strike zone as defined by Major League Baseball (MLB). When in use, the user, or pitcher, throws a baseball at the device. If the device is struck by the ball, a physical or visual reaction results and informs the pitcher that a strike has been thrown. If there is no physical or visual reaction, the pitcher knows that the pitch was a ball, and to adjust his or her throwing technique. It is contemplated that repeated use of the improved training device of the present invention by a pitcher will result in muscle memory that reflects a proper pitching technique to achieve an increased strikeout percentage for the pitcher.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an official MLB strike zone 10 for a baseball training device of the present invention, which is a three dimensional space above home plate that is comprised or a width (w) and a height (h). By way of background, home plate is a 17 inch square of whitened rubber with two of the corners removed so that one edge is 17 inches long, the two adjacent sides are each 8.5 inches long, and the remaining two sides are each 12 inches long and set at an angle converging into a point. The strike zone area is the area over home plate and between a midpoint between a batter's shoulders and the top of the batter's uniform pants, when the batter is in his or her stance and prepared to swing at a pitched ball, and a point just below the batter's kneecaps. Typically, in order for the pitcher to achieve a pitched strike, a portion of the baseball or softball must cross over home plate within the defined area.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a perspective view of the baseball training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, in one potential embodiment, the baseball training device 100 comprises a base support member 102 and a strike zone structure 110. The baseball training device 100 may be used by a baseball or softball pitcher, a batter, an umpire, a coach, or anyone else desiring to improve their ability. More specifically, a baseball or softball pitcher could throw or pitch a ball at the baseball training device 100 to improve his or her pitching as discussed herein. The base support member 102 may be configured in any shape or weight sufficient to support the strike zone structure 110, and the overall baseball training device 100 is both easily adjustable and portable, as described more fully below. Further, as best shown in FIG. 2A, base member 102 may further comprise one or more legs 109 that extend outwardly from base member 102 to provide additional support for baseball training device 100 and to prevent it from tipping over when struck by an object, such as a baseball.

The baseball training device 100 further comprises an adjustable support member 106. The adjustable support member 106 connects the strike zone structure 110 to the base support member 102. More specifically, the adjustable support member 106 is attached at one end to the base support member 102 via an adjustable support member attachment 104. The adjustable support member attachment 104 is a physical connection, such as, a threaded connection, a compression connection, a mechanical fastener, a friction connection, or other suitable connection mechanism. At its opposite end, the adjustable support member 106 is attached to the strike zone structure 110 via a strike zone structure retaining element 108. The strike zone structure retaining element 108 is also a physical connection, such as, a threaded connection, a compression connection, a mechanical fastener, a friction connection, or other suitable connection mechanism. Notwithstanding, it is also contemplated that base support member 102 can be eliminated, and that adjustable support member 106 could instead be supported by, for example, an opening in a ground surface, such as a concrete pad 111, as illustrated.

As a height of the baseball training device 100 is adjustable, the strike zone structure 110 is movable along a length of the adjustable support member 106 to adjust the strike zone based on the desired height and/or to suit user preference. The adjustable support member 106 may be a pole, rod, stake, or the like, of any desired geometric configuration, and may be a single piece, multiple connected or unconnected (i.e., stacked) sections, or a telescoping member.

The strike zone structure 110 comprises a plurality of block members 112. As illustrated in FIGS. 3-7 and 9-12, each of the plurality of block members 112 is a preferably rigid, three dimensional solid or hollow block shaped component that serves as a physical creation of the boundaries or planes of the strike zone 10. More specifically, the plurality of block members 112 are configured to be joined, stacked, or otherwise layered together and connected in such a way so that the baseball training device 100 can be moved vertically as a unit so as to represent the variable size and position of the strike zone 10. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that the plurality of block members 112 could be attached to adjustable support member 106, as opposed to one another.

Each of the plurality of block members 112 comprises a top 114, a bottom 116, a tip 124, and a height 126. Each of the plurality of block members 112 further comprises a back side 118, a pair of parallel sides 120 extending perpendicularly from the back side 118, and a pair of angled sides 122 each extending inwardly from the adjacent parallel side 120 and converging into the tip 124. The height 126 of the back side 118, the parallel sides 120, and the angled sides 122 may vary for each of the plurality of block members 112. For example, the height 126 of block member 112(a), as illustrated in FIG. 10, may differ from the height 126 of block member 112(b), illustrated in FIG. 11. This is a desirable feature of training device 100 as the overall height of the strike zone 10 will vary depending on the height of each batter. As such, a variety of block members 112 of differing heights may be connected together to achieve the desired strike zone 10 height for a particular batter. For example, it is contemplated that the height of block members 112 would come in one, two or three inch increments, though it is contemplated that block members 112 having other heights could also be used without affecting the overall concept of the present invention.

The plurality of block members 112 each further comprise a center opening 128, such as a through hole or similar passageway of any geometric configuration. The adjustable support member 106 is configured to pass through the center opening 128 of some or all of the plurality of block members 112. More specifically, the center opening 128 accepts the adjustable support member 106, and helps to connect the plurality of block members 112 to one another.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, the plurality of block members 112 may be substantially hollow in construction, for example a block member 112(a) of FIG. 7. The plurality of block members 112(c) may further comprise a plurality of structural ribs 130 and a center tube 132. The center tube 132 may be designed in any geometric shape and surrounds the center opening 128 in this configuration. The top 114 and the bottom 116 of the substantially hollow block member 112(a) may be either open or solid as desired.

It is further contemplated that each of the plurality of block members 112 could be comprised of a hardened plastic resin or other suitable and durable material that can withstand repeated strikes from a thrown object, such as a baseball or softball. The plurality of block members 112 may also comprise an overcoating of a softer material, such as a rubber or the like, to absorb a portion of the impact of the ball and to prevent excessive ricocheting. Further, the plurality of block members 112 can be manufactured using any manufacturing technique currently known in the art including, without limitation, extrusion, injection molding, additive manufacturing or 3D printing, etc.

The plurality of block members 112 may further comprise a plurality of block member connection components 134 designed to physically connect each of the plurality of block members 112 to one another. The plurality of block member connection components 134 may comprise at least one groove 136 and at least one slot 138. The at least one groove 136 may be positioned on either the top 114 or bottom 116 of each block member 112 with the corresponding at least one slot 138 located on the opposite side of the block member 112 and configured to accept the at least one groove 136 of the adjacent block member 112.

The plurality of block member connection components 134 may further comprise a plurality of plugs 140 and a plurality of dimples 142. The plurality of plugs 140 may be positioned on either the top 114 or bottom 116 of each block member 112 with the corresponding plurality of dimples 142 located on the opposite side of the block member 112 configured to accept or receive the plurality of plugs 140 of the adjacent block member 112.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the plurality of block member connection components 134 may further comprise a plurality of pins 144 and a plurality of pin holes 146. The plurality of pins 144 may be positioned on either the top 114 or bottom 116 of each of the back side 118, the parallel sides 120, and the angled sides 122 of each block member 112 with the corresponding plurality of pin holes 146 located on the opposite side of the block member 112 and configured to accept the plurality of pins 144 of an adjacent block member 112. Notwithstanding, it is also contemplated that other connection means may be used for attaching the plurality of block members, such as hook and loop fasteners, traditional mechanical fasteners such as screws, adhesives, snaps, etc.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 12, the baseball training device 100 further comprises a feedback component 148 connected or attached to the strike zone structure 110. The feedback component 148 comprises a sensing element 150 and a response element 152. The sensing element 150 is typically an impact or pressure sensor designed to detect an impact of a pitched ball hitting the strike zone structure 110, though it is also contemplated that sensing element could sense other measurable parameters such as speed, velocity, location and the like.

The response element 152 may be an audible indicator, a visual indicator, a vibrating indicator, or any combination thereof. For example, the visual indicator may be a light that illuminates, flashes or changes colors to indicate the impact of the ball striking the strike zone structure 110 to the pitcher. The various components of the feedback component 148, namely the sensing element 150 and response element 152, may be powered by traditional electrical means, for example, a cord connected to a traditional electric outlet. Alternatively, the feedback component and its elements may be battery powered and/or solar powered.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A baseball training device comprising: a base support member; a strike zone structure; and an adjustable support member connecting the base support member and the strike zone structure.
 2. The baseball training device of claim 1, wherein a height of the baseball training device is adjustable.
 3. The baseball training device of claim 1, wherein the adjustable support member comprises a strike zone structure retaining element.
 4. The baseball training device of claim 1, wherein the strike zone structure comprises a plurality of block members.
 5. The baseball training device of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of block members comprises a plurality of block member connection components.
 6. The baseball training device of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of block members comprises a center opening for accepting the adjustable support member.
 7. The baseball training device of claim 1 further comprising a feedback component attached to the strike zone structure.
 8. The baseball training device of claim 7, wherein the feedback component comprises a sensing element.
 9. The baseball training device of claim 8, wherein the sensing element is an impact sensor.
 10. The baseball training device of claim 7, wherein the feedback component comprises a response element.
 11. The baseball training device of claim 10, wherein the response element is an audible indicator.
 12. The baseball training device of claim 10, wherein the response element is a visual indicator.
 13. A baseball training device comprising: a base support member; a strike zone structure comprising a plurality of block members; an adjustable support member connecting the base support member and the strike zone structure; and a feedback component attached to the strike zone structure.
 14. The baseball training device of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of block members comprises a plurality of block member connection components.
 15. The baseball training device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of block member connection components comprises at least one groove and at least one slot.
 16. The baseball training device of claim 14, wherein plurality of block member connection components comprises a plurality of plugs and a plurality of dimples.
 17. The baseball training device of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of block members may vary in height.
 18. The baseball training device of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of block members is substantially solid in construction and comprises a center opening.
 19. The baseball training device of claim 13, wherein the feedback component comprises a sensing element and a response element.
 20. A baseball training device comprising: a base support member; a strike zone structure comprising a plurality of block members; an adjustable support member connecting the base support member and the strike zone structure; and a feedback component attached to the strike zone structure, the feedback component comprising a sensing element and a response element for indicating an impact on the strike zone structure. 